Invited Speaker at the Official World Economic Forum Summit in India

I had the honor of being invited as a guest speaker at the Global Shapers Summit, an official summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF)—widely known for the Davos Meeting—held from September 26 to 28, 2025, at the Ashokrao Mane Group of Institutions (AMGOI) in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, under the auspices of the United Nations.

This summit, one of the official gatherings of the World Economic Forum, brought together leaders and educators from around the world to discuss education, economy, and social transformation.
Experts from Japan also participated, engaging in rich dialogue—both academic and practical—on the future of education and human resource development in an ever-changing global society.

Approximately 1,700 participants, both in-person and online, attended the event, filling the venue with an atmosphere of passion and enthusiasm for next-generation education.

🔗 [AMGOI Group LinkedIn – Click here]

“Fun Fan Chat” — A Japan-born Method Connecting People and Inspiring Change

During my session, I presented on “Fun Fan Chat,” a communication method originating from Japan.

This method fosters self-expression, empathy, and creativity through conversation and output, aiming to cultivate the collaborative learning skills essential in today’s globalized world.

Blending academic theory with real-world examples, I emphasized the importance of restoring “dialogue” as a vital component of education.

Learning from India: The “Never-Give-Up Spirit”

What impressed me most at this forum was the unshakeable perseverance and strong sense of self-belief deeply rooted in the people of India.

While India is often said to be about fifteen years behind Japan industrially, it possesses a spirit that “never gives up—100 times more.”

As Mr. Kunio Hara, Chairman of the Homeiku Group, who also chaired the forum, stated:

“Work, learn, talk, laugh, and challenge yourself.
Their way of living shows that grit and ambition are not talents—they are a way of life.
‘Work–life balance’ doesn’t mean working less; it means deepening the meaning of life itself.”

Indeed, the attitude of Indian students and educators embodies a life lived on the premise of constant challenge and growth.

I was deeply inspired by their belief that ‘I can do it’—a mindset that fuels not only individual progress but also national development.

Educational Approaches for a Sustainable Future

Throughout the summit, I strongly felt that the essence of education is shifting—from knowledge transmission to co-creation.

Learning is no longer just a personal pursuit—it is a power to transform society.
To achieve this, we must nurture individuals who can engage in meaningful dialogue across diverse cultures and values.

Education forms the foundation of economy, industry, and culture—it is the most universal infrastructure for unleashing human potential.

These three days reaffirmed that conviction for me.

The event was also featured on the official website of the AMGOI Group.
🔗 [Ashokrao Mane Group of Institutions – Official Website]